Maternity Photoshoot Atlantic Beach NC Michelle Gunton Photography

Some stories just stay with you—and this one came with sunshine, sand, and the sweetest little girl with curls. 

This beautiful family of three made the drive from Louisburg, NC to Atlantic Beach to celebrate their next big chapter: baby number two! What started as a maternity session turned into a memory-making beach day full of giggles, seashells, and a whole lot of love.

I’m Michelle Gunton—a maternity and family photographer serving Atlantic Beach, Wake Forest, Raleigh, and beyond—and I couldn’t wait to share this heartfelt, coastal maternity session.

Why They Chose Atlantic Beach for Their Maternity Photos

Mom and dad have a place in Beaufort, NC. One last beach trip as a family of three before their newest little girl arrived. So off to Atlantic Beach they went, with beach toys, snacks, and all the excitement an 18-month-old could carry in her cute little outfit.

Even though they live in Louisburg, a quick weekend trip to the Crystal Coast gave them something special—a maternity session that felt like a family vacation.

A Beach Maternity Session Full of Heart

From the moment we stepped onto the sand, this session felt like magic.

 Baby girl was unsure of the sand at first but finally gave way to having fun. 
 Mom and Dad knelt down and helped her draw the new baby’s name in the sand—a sweet surprise they can show both girls when they're older.
 At one point, we gently placed some tiny seashells on Mom’s belly, like nature’s crown for their baby girl.
 There were snuggles, belly kisses and a lot of love.

We didn’t rush. We didn’t force anything. We just played. And that’s where the magic lives.

One Last Adventure as a Family of Three

Pregnancy the second time around feels different. You're already a parent, your hands are full, and maybe your belly photos involve a toddler trying to eat sand mid-shoot (true story). 

But that’s the beauty of it.

This Louisburg family wanted to remember this exact season: the calm before the next adventure, their first baby about to become a big sister, and the way they love—loudly, playfully, and with so much joy.

A Little Travel, A Lot of Love

I love when families travel from places like Louisburg, Wake Forest, or Raleigh to the beach for maternity photos. It’s more than a photoshoot—it’s a celebration. The change of scenery gives you space to breathe, connect, and soak in the moment (and the ocean).

I photograph maternity sessions up and down the Crystal Coast—from Emerald Isle to Beaufort to Morehead City. If you’re dreaming of sandy toes and windswept hair, I’m your girl.

Thinking About a Beach Maternity Session?

Whether you're expecting your first, second, or sixth (you wild legend, you), I’d be honored to capture your family’s story. Bring your toddlers, bring your dog, bring the chaos. I’ll bring the camera.

If you're in Louisburg NC or nearby and want a beach session that’s fun, candid, and filled with real emotion—you know where to find me.

📍 Book your Atlantic Beach maternity session here → Contact Michelle